Weight is on quarterback Blackman to keep starting job
James Blackman smiles at the question.
The Florida State quarterback has put in an offseason of work — weight room, film room and practice fields — absorbing coach Willie Taggart’s new offense. But often the question comes back to how much food he consumes in
the cafeteria and what he weighs. “I try to eat every second I can,” said the 6-foot-5 Blackman, enjoying that he’s added 15 pounds since he arrived at FSU and weighed in at 178 in early August.
The sophomore from Glades Central High has been eating foods that are high in calories and proteins while following a workout plan designed by FSU strength coach Irele Oderinde. Weight isn’t the
most important number, but it is significant considering the num- ber of hits that a quarterback takes each week.
Blackman’s guardian, Rick Butts, said he has been able to see the weight gain and added strength. That has also translated into Blackman becoming a better quarterback.
“By him being able to build core strength, it’s easier for him to flick the ball and makes it go where he needs it to go,” Butts said. “It’s made a huge difference.”
Blackman was a rail-thin true freshman just 12 months ago when he first stepped on FSU’s practice field, well behind starter Deondre Francois. But a season-ending knee injury to Francois in the season opener changed everything, and Blackman stepped in to start
the rest of the season.
The Seminoles have had a quarterback competition four times in the past six seasons but this one is quite different. Blackman and Francois have started for a season and redshirt freshman Bailey Hockman is also competing for the job. Throw in it’s a new system (no-huddle, spread) for a new coach and the drama this August is as intense as the Tallahassee heat and humidity.
Blackman threw for 2,230 yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while completing 58.2 percent of his passes in 2017, becoming the first true freshman to start at quarterback since 1985. He was playing well ahead of what anyone expected
and there were also struggles as he took 29 sacks behind pass protection that frequently broke down. His teammates respected him for his demeanor and leadership.
“That guy is full of confidence,” running back Jacques Patrick said. “I respected him a lot since Day 1.”
Blackman delivered some of his best performances late in the year, with 10 touchdown passes in his final four games. That included two TDs in a win at Florida and four TDs in the bowl victory over Southern Miss.
“I think with James, it’s just continuing to develop,” first-year offensive coordinator Walt Bell said. “Kind of like when I was at Maryland, we had to play Tyrrell Pigrome before he was ready. So people get this perception. ‘He shouldn’t have been playing. He was still just a really young guy.’
“Be better every single day. And if he continues to do that he’s going to be a really special football player.”
Taggart has joked he would like to have a decision by Labor Day, which is FSU’s first game against Virginia Tech. (At press time for the Post’s college football preview, the coach had not made a decision.)
Blackman is making his argument for playing time. He’s shown it with his work ethic on the field and in film study. Butts says “his preparation is crazy,” and noted Blackman has worked out a few times in Boca Raton this offseason with quarterback coach Ken Mastrole.
The Seminoles spent the early
portion of preseason camp watching a documentary, “Bowden Dynasty.” It’s a film that focuses on FSU’s 14-year run of top-5 finishes from 1987-2000. Blackman, who was born in 1998, said the history lesson motivates him.
“Knowing all the greats that came through there, you could be the next one, or one of your teammates could be the next one,” Blackman said. “It’s just a great feeling.”